Lost that lovin' feeling? Find tips to help you get back your sex drive.

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It's normal and almost expected that your sex drive will change over the years. Emotional and physical changes can put your sex drive in high gear at certain times in your life, and barely there at other points. But if you've been noticing that your sex drive just isn't what it used to be, and it's causing you concern, you may want to do something about it.

Reasons for Loss of Sex Drive

A woman's sex drive is a complex thing. It's affected by physical and hormonal changes in the body, as well as emotions. As women get older, many find that they're not in the mood for sex as much as they used to be. And even if they are in the mood, changes in the body, such as vaginal dryness and pain during sex, can make it difficult to have intercourse.

"The libido response in women is such a complex issue. If women are unhappy in a relationship, it can affect libido. If sex hurts, it can affect libido. If she doesn't feel good about herself, it can affect libido. It's hard to tease out all of those factors," says Judi Chervenak, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.

And with the hormonal changes that occur around the time of menopause, women tend to have less natural vaginal lubrication than they did before. This change can make having sex more uncomfortable and can contribute to a reduced sex drive.

How to Re-energize Your Sex Drive

While there are many possible causes of a reduced sex drive, some techniques that might help boost yours include:

Using a lubricant to ease vaginal dryness and to help make intercourse more enjoyable if you are experiencing symptoms of discomfort due to poor lubrication.

Exercising. Regular physical activity can boost feel-good endorphins and improve your body image, making you feel sexier and more likely to get "in the mood." And Kegel exercises to tighten the pelvic muscles can work to enhance the sensations you feel during sex and help boost desire.

Communicating with your partner. Opening the lines of communication can help you feel more connected, and more interested in romance, with your partner. If relationship problems are spilling over into your sex life, this may be a good time to talk with a neutral third party (such as a psychotherapist or couples counselor) to work on correcting any underlying issues you and your partner may be having.

Aphrodisiacs. While there is no real science backing this up, a romantic evening starring some well-known aphrodisiac culinary delights might do the trick. A little champagne, some oysters, some dark chocolate … who know where it will lead? Other therapies marketed as aphrodisiacs, including various herbs and supplements, do not have any science behind them and may also be risky, depending on what the product is and how healthy you are overall. Talk to your doctor before trying any of these.

Medications for Boosting Female Sex Drive

While women have not traditionally had as many treatment options for low sex drive as men, researchers are studying medications that may enhance women's libidos.

A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine, for instance, found that a testosterone patch may significantly improve a woman's level of sexual satisfaction. However, since the patch was associated with a possible increase in the risk of breast cancer, more research is needed. Still, the results of this study are exciting for women struggling with an underactive sex drive.

"This is the first study to show that when used alone, testosterone administered by a skin patch significantly improves sexual well-being in postmenopausal women," said the study's lead author, Susan R. Davis, MD, a professor of women's health at Monash University in Australia.

The patch is available in Europe to treat loss of sexual desire in women, but it has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Another recent study, in The Journal of the American Medical Association, determined that use of Viagra (sildenafil) improved sexual function in women taking antidepressant medication (a class of medication well-known for sexual side effects, such as reduced sex drive). More research is needed to know for sure what effect Viagra and other medications like it have on female libido.

How to Get Help for Low Libido

If you've experienced a marked decrease in your sex drive, talk with your doctor. He or she will review your medical history, give you a physical exam, and discuss any concerns with you.

It may be that a medication or undiagnosed medical problem is to blame for your low sex drive. If that is the case, an alternative medication or starting treatment for the underlying problem may do the trick. For women who have gone through menopause, hormonal therapies can sometimes help with vaginal dryness and lack of desire. And if there is no physical cause for your decreased sex drive, your doctor may be able to recommend a sex therapist.

Don't be embarrassed and certainly don't feel ashamed if you suffer from low sex drive. A healthy sex life is part of a healthy life. If your sex drive is dwindling, speak up. Help is available.

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